by Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

A Desert Rose

Cultivated desert roses in a garden. Photo by Meggie from Pixabay.

A Desert Rose

Our little world envelops us in love,

transcending chaos that surrounds us now,

safe haven from earth’s dark duplicity,

a green oasis, peace in desert heat.

Affection in your eyes, my hand in yours,

a gentle word, a loving touch…encouragement

along our earthly path’s uncertainties.

Your inner strength sustains my fainting heart.

When threats of war surround on every side…

vile pestilence, pollution, and unrest,

ambition fades, possessions matter less,

but love endures and blooms, a desert rose.

This poem is dedicated to Robert, who fills my everyday life with happiness and joy.
Robert in a park on the Myakka River. Photo by Cheryl Batavia.
Desert rose in the African Sahel. Photo by bory67 from Pixabay.

Copyright© 2022 by Cheryl Batavia

Like the Shakespearean sonnet, BLANK VERSE is a sixteenth century form of poetry written in iambic pentameter. Unlike a sonnet, blank verse is unrhymed. It was used extensively by Shakespeare in his plays and is found in the work of John Milton and other poets of that time.

Robert’s cataract surgery is scheduled for February 1st, and the hectic schedule of appointments begins. I may be very erratic on WordPress in February. Thank you to all who sent good wishes to Robert.

91 Comments

  5. Affection in your eyes, my hand in yours,
    a gentle word, a loving touch…encouragement
    along our earthly path’s uncertainties.
    Your inner strength sustains my fainting heart.

    You & Robert are in my thoughts, Cheryl. I hope the surgery goes well! ❤

    Much love!
    David

    Liked by 5 people

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  11. What a beautiful and touching poem, Cheryl! John Milton was one of my favourites. I hope surgery goes well. Good wishes to Robert! My thoughts are with you and Robert. 💖💐

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Thank you so much, Scott! Your appreciation and support mean a lot. I google something every day and try to learn to write new forms of poetry. So happy you liked the poem. ❤

      Though there are some issues, I feel optimistic about Robert's upcoming surgery! 🙂 All the best to you and your family!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  21. What a beautiful poem and tribute to Robert. The love and safe haven you have created together is admirable and so endearing.
    I love these line in particular:
    💖💖
    “When threats of war surround on every side…

    vile pestilence, pollution, and unrest,

    ambition fades, possessions matter less,

    but love endures and blooms, a desert rose.
    Sending you love and good wishes to Robert as you “see this through” clearer by the day.
    Good luck! 💖👏🌈

    Liked by 5 people

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    1. Cindy, thank you so much for your lovely response. Your understanding words mean a lot. Though there are many issues, I am optimistic about the outcome of the surgery. The poem is a Valentines’ Day gift to Robert.

      I hope all is well with you. Have a wonderful weekend! ❤ ❤ ❤

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. You’re so welcome Cheryl! I’m happy to hear they do as you tackle this next chapter which isn’t easy I know with my mom having gone through it and my dad near blind. I’m glad you are keeping an optomistic attitude and holding each other’s hand as you go through it.
        It was so lovely and truly was aimend right at the heart. I’m sure Robert loved it!

        I’m 100 percent better thank last week, thankfully and I plan on it. You do the same!
        💖

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Dwight, for your kind response. I am happy that you enjoyed the poem, written for Robert for Valentines’ Day.

      Thank you for the encouraging words. Robert’s chemical sensitivity issues complicate what is normally a routine surgery, but we are going forward and hoping for the best. I feel optimistic about the outcome. 🙂

      Wishing you and your wife a great weekend! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

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  26. It’s a gift to have love we can depend on in spite of everything else going on. You have reminded me not to take this for granted. Best wishes to you and Robert for many more wonderful years ahead.

    Liked by 5 people

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  27. This is a lovely poem about the desert rose, dear Cheryl. Wishing your husband all the best and a speedy recovery from his cataract operation. I also had it, and it turned out well. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog. I appreciate your support.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  32. Lovely poem and tribute. Hello Robert! I’m sure all will go well with his Cataract surgery. As an ophthalmic technician of 35 years I have seen thousands of surgeries and was a primary cataract technician. It is one of the most common procedures in the US. 👍🏻👍🏻💐
    I have a Willard who does the same things for me. Aren’t we blessed?

    Liked by 2 people

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  33. Thank you for the reassuring words, Cheryl. Eye drops have been ordered from a compounding pharmacy to try to deal with Robert’s chemical sensitivity issues. We are optimistic that the surgery will be will go smoothly. It’s wonderful to have a compatible and loving partner. Glad you have Willard in your life! ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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